AP Govt told to amend reply in BT cotton row

NEW DELHI: The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission has sought clarification from Andhra Pradesh government on whether it was seeking any relief from US biotech major Monsanto, whose Indian arm has been selling Bt cotton seeds to farmers at exorbitant rates.

During proceedings earlier this week, MRTPC, headed by Justice O P Dwivedi, directed the state government to submit an additional reply in this regard.

The Commission's direction came on a petition filed by Monsanto that it should not be held liable in the case between its Indian arm Mahyco-Monsanto Biotech Ltd (MMBL) and the Andhra Pradesh government.

Monsanto's counsel argued that the state government has not demanded any action against MMBL's parent firm in its reply filed in response to the petition submitted by the US-based company seeking deletion of its name from the case.

The Commission had in May this year ruled that MMBL must reduce the trait value, a fee that it charges on its Bt cotton seeds. The company had later challenged the ruling in Supreme Court, which has so far refused to grant a stay.

The state government counsel, however, said that Monsanto's name had been left out from its reply as a result of "typographical error" and it would be corrected.

Monsanto has contended that MMBL was an independent entity and it was not liable for actions of its subsidiary.

The state government also asked MRTPC to defer the proceedings until the petitions filed before the Supreme Court get disposed.

Amused by this stand, MRTPC member M M K Sardana said: "This would virtually amount to granting a stay on the issue". Following this, the state government withdrew its request and prepared to argue further on the matter. P